Healthcare CEO Salaries Are Out of Control
Have you ever wondered why healthcare is so expensive? Well, part of the reason might be because some CEOs in healthcare are getting paid millions—sometimes more than all the nurses, doctors, and staff combined! This isn’t just unfair; it’s one of the patterns that controls how things work. Let’s talk about how this happens and what we can do to change it.
Stealing Power – The Art of Deflection
What is Deflection?
Deflection is like when someone tries to distract you from the real issue. Imagine you’re having an argument, and instead of answering your question, the person just changes the subject. In healthcare, the media sometimes uses this trick.
Take the tragic case of Brian Thompson. After he was killed, the media has kept focusing on the “who” (who did it?), and “how (how could you say that?!), but they haven’t been asking the more important question: “Why did this happen?” They want us to stay distracted instead of talking about how healthcare could be better for everyone.
Yes, murder is terrible, and no one should celebrate tragedy. But we need to talk about what’s wrong with the system. The media keeps deflecting us away from the bigger issues, like how the healthcare system focuses on making money, not helping people.
The Problem with Big Salaries in Healthcare
Some healthcare CEOs are making huge salaries, even though their companies are turning away sick people. For example, in 2023, Andrew Witty, the CEO of UnitedHealth, made $23.5 million. That’s a lot of money for a company that could be doing more to help people.
Why Does This Matter?
In a system that’s supposed to “do no harm,” how can these CEOs justify getting paid millions, while people can’t afford basic care? What if we focused less on making CEOs rich and more on making sure everyone gets the care they need?
Can We Change This?
Yes, we can! We don’t need to be violent or mean to make change. Here’s how we can do it:
When someone deflects from the matter, gently guide them back. When it comes to anything, don’t allow people to use the power of deflection to prevent you from asking why. If you’re having a disagreement with-someone who does not want to answer the why, they may be using deflection. Don’t let them get away with it, change the subject back!
Contact your congress person and let them know how you feel! https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member They are public servants, it’s time the public made them serve! There is no reason that healthcare can’t make a profit and ensure everyone have access to obtain medical treatment, free of any death panels.
